Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Drive Road Trip

Home / Pacific Southwest / Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Drive

Excellent wildlife photo opportunities await you at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The snowy peaks and fresh green pines of the Ruby Mountains are a picturesque habitat for bighorn sheep, mule deer and mountain goats, while the Ruby Valley wetlands are home to more than 220 species of birds. The byway passes between the two, offering scenic views on either side.

A gravel road leads you through the pinyon and juniper pine forests at the base of the Ruby Mountains next to the wetlands of the valley, where you may see nesting canvasback, redhead ducks, tundra swans and many other bird species in the abundant Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Mule deer and wild horses often roam near the lake in the cooler months.